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AIFFP finance for an undersea cable study in Timor-Leste

AIFFP finance for an undersea cable study in Timor-Leste

On 30 August 2019, Prime Minister Morrison announced that the Australian Government would finance the Front End Engineering Design study (FEED) in Timor-Leste, in response to a formal request from the Timor-Leste Government to assist in their efforts to construct a quality undersea telecommunications cable.

As Timor-Leste is aiming to build a diverse economy, with opportunities for business and investment, and more jobs for its people, Australia supports the Government’s efforts to improve systems that meet the needs of Timor-Leste in the long-term.  Better access to telecommunications is key to create jobs, to develop a stronger private sector, to increase rural incomes and to ensure more people are workforce-ready.

On 20 July 2017, the Timorese Government signed a two year Option Deed with Vocus, for an exclusive and fully transferable option to reserve capacity on Vocus’ North West Cable System (linking Darwin and Port Hedland) via an existing branching unit, plus the construction of a new spur cable to land in Timor-Leste.